Per capita tax exonerations from 2010 denied

Thursday, April 7, 2011

By ELSA KERSCHNER ekerschner@tnonline.com

Washington Township received requests for per capita tax exonerations from the year 2010. At the April 5 meeting chairman Josh Friebolin said it had been the policy to exonerate those who applied in the taxing year. The requests were denied.

However, a disabled veteran did receive exoneration for the township real estate tax.

A letter of thanks was received from the Slatington Public Library for a donation of $2,500.

The Star Hose Company of Emerald and the Slatedale Athletic Association received their budgeted donations after the township received their financial statements for 2010.The fire company received $5,000 and the association, $500.

A contract was signed for animal control with The Sanctuary at Haafsville. It has been delayed, said Friebolin, until licensing issues were resolved. Until its own facility is built The Sanctuary has an agreement with the Kutztown Animal Hospital to house any animals that have to be kept overnight.

District Attorney Jim Martin requested and received $250 toward the cost of a child abuse investigator.

Friebolin talked to Bob Stettner of Future Focus. Last year banners were placed on lamp posts in Slatedale. This year they will be purchased for Emerald. Donations will be solicited and the Chamber of Commerce donated $1,000. The township will pay any remaining cost up to $750.

Cleanup will be held June 18, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Justin Yaich, zoning and permit officer, will be changing his office hours to include evenings and weekends which are more suitable for residents who work during the day. When scheduled, it will be posted on the door and website.

Under public comment, two issues were brought up previously. Mildred Kistler asked if anything could be done about her neighbor who is banging around at 3 a.m. and trucks leave at odd hours beginning early.

Ed Ziegler wanted to know why the February treasurer's report was being approved in April. Secretary-treasurer JoAnn Ahner said she cannot get it ready any sooner. Ziegler said then the meetings should be moved back to the second Tuesday.

Supervisors refused to discuss either issue.

Lee Haas asked about the policy set in March that supervisors cannot be full-time employees of the township. He wanted to know when it took affect because both supervisors Roy Dengler and Gerald Philllips are on the road crew.

Any newly elected supervisors will not be able to work for the township other than in their elected position, Dengler said.

Haas also asked why Gerald Phillips had been demoted to laborer. Friebolin said it was voted on in public but as a personnel issue the reasoning is not public.